Tag Archives: art classes for families

As the baking heat of summer abates, I walk along the waterfront. The experience is so much like the last sip of mango juice, the last kiss of a loved one, the fragrance of the remaining rose standing singular on the stretching branch. Knowing that it is drawing to a close makes me open up my senses all the more.

I think to myself, “Soon you will not see the loose, relaxed bodies of family tribes strolling with a shared rhythm. Soon the skin, arms and legs will be hidden away for winter like putting away seasonal clothing, these exposed limbs. Soon the evening air will not be perfumed by the release of fragrant flowers like a retelling of the narrative of the heat soaked day.”

Sunset City Park

It is in the denouement or in the anticipation that we most awaken to our own lives. Studies have show the point of greatest happiness is when an individual is working toward a goal. Olympic athletes report a loss of joy at the end of an event, even if they have garnered a prize.

Quo Vadis losing the way

The ability to be awake to my own life is and has been my focus for several years. How do I stay in a place of contentment even as the seasons change, through the trajectory of plans, effort and achievement? How do I allow emotions, deep grieving memories like forest monsters be recognized and acknowledged? Can I remain aware of what I hold in my body and of what I hold in the grinding fine mill of my brain?

Feel, release. Listen, release.

When I wake up the dreams are tangled around me like dark sheets. For decades I would have nightmares about being killed. The residual fear of my father coming in my room would be presented to me in dreams. My subconscious would be saying, ” Deal with this. Feel this.”

For decades I would awaken sobbing with my heart already shattered.

Through my vision quests; through my sitting at the feet of Shamans, teachers; through my listening to broadcasts from life coaches; through my reading DIY reconstruct your life books I have come to a place where there is an opening.

My eyes unclench at the start of day. I am encased in sadness like a gray, smudging cloud and then I move to gratitude. I put my hand on my heart and thank it for being so committed to staying alive. My heart has kept me here. I thank my heart for being so open and child like. The spirit I am wants to be in love, to share love, to be innocent and expectant. “Thank you, heart,” I say.

Seeing the love

I lay my warm hand on the place where I held cancer. The place where I have growths removed every five years and I say, “You are healthy. You are fully alive. You live in freedom. You are beautiful. Thank you body.”

As I swing my feet over the edge of the bed, I envision jumping off of the edge of a ledge into the day.

“What kind of a day will you have?” I ask myself.

“Any kind of day you create,” I answer.

“Oh great. Then, it will be wonderful and full of love.”

How do I know my focused study is working? Because there are times when I do not hear a dozen crows and fifteen monkies all chattering in my mind at once.

How do I know my dedication to feeling and healing is effective?

As I walked along the boardwalk a little boy under the age of two was being pushed in his stroller by his parents. He was wearing a wonderful, expensive fedora. I did not smile at him. I did not stop and make faces at him.

I only thought, “Dude. I see your spirit. You are one rocking dude.” He broke into a smile and put his hand up to high five me. His parents stopped, looked at him. They looked at me and were puzzled. And then we all laughed.

I went to the bank and behind the counter was an attractive, thin, very stylish new bank clerk. His name tag said: Dave.

“Dave,” I said, “are you new here?”

“No,” he responded, ” I usually work in another bank.”

I thought how much I liked him daring to be so trim so stylish so unmundane. And then I saw the gigantic engagement ring on his left hand.

“Oh,” I said, “aren’t you the lucky one.”

“I know,” he said, ” and it isn’t because of the ring.”

We smiled together about his love, his claiming who he is in the world, my recognizing how wonderful he was. We just stood smiling together.

As I walked down the street, I saw a car enwrapped in love. On the windshield were two generous bouquets of gladiiolas. An aluminum heart balloon saying, “I love you,” was on the windshield. And balloons, balloons so pink and plasticy were floating from all of the wiper blades.

I am so grateful when I see the bravery of love. I am so lifted up when I see two people kiss on a street corner, exchanging tenderness. My heart sings when a baby waves at me.

The nightmare world of helplessness, having my bones broken and my spirit invaded are giving way. These days I step out into a world of surprising, magical moments of love. Thank you Dave for wearing your diamond and sparkling bright.

It is not a new season. It will not slip away like summer. It is where I plant my feet. Now.

My thoughts still attach to the narrative trajectory… anticipation, tension, release but I am thankful that I can be aware of what is appearing on my “reality screen.” And sometimes, I can even switch the channel.

Wednesday, September 9th, 6:30 to 8 pm. Writing from Where You Are. A gentle, non-critical workshop on prose writing. Take those old dairies, the notes from your last vacation and create something memorable. 14 years and above. $40

Rotary Centre for the Arts Course Studio 205, 421 Cawston Avenue.

Wednesday, September 23rd, 6:30 to 8 pm. Poetry for the Novice. Creating interesting, vivid poetry under the guidance of a writer who has earned her M.A. In contemporary poetry. $40.

Wednesday, October 21st, 6:30 to 8 pm. Making handmade greeting cards: Get inspired to make something unique that speaks from who you are. Make a gift of your talent. For children and adults together. Family fun. $45 includes material’s fee.

Vernon Community Arts Council, 2704A Hwy 6, Vernon, B.C. 250-542-6243

Saturday, October 24th, 10-2, Making Memories (All Ages) Making a gift of a unique scrapbook technique book. $80.

The Hidden Poet. Using the senses to explore poetry, interpret imagery and be inspired. $125 + GST

Rotary Centre for the Arts Course Studio 205, 421 Cawston Avenue.

Wednesday, September 9th, 6:30 to 8 pm. Writing from Where You Are. A gentle, non-critical workshop on prose writing. Take those old dairies, the notes from your last vacation and create something memorable. 14 years and above. $40

Rotary Centre for the Arts Course Studio 205, 421 Cawston Avenue.

Wednesday, September 23rd, 6:30 to 8 pm. Poetry for the Novice. Creating interesting, vivid poetry under the guidance of a writer who has earned her M.A. In contemporary poetry. $40.

Wednesday, October 21st, 6:30 to 8 pm. Making handmade greeting cards: Get inspired to make something unique that speaks from who you are. Make a gift of your talent. For children and adults together. Family fun. $45 includes material’s fee.

Living in the moment

Vernon Community Arts Council, 2704A Hwy 6, Vernon, B.C. 250-542-6243

Saturday, October 24th, 10-2, Making Memories (All Ages) Making a gift of a unique scrapbook technique book. $80.

Cameron is well on the way to getting his
Contractor’s Licence.
We will celebrate his ability to pull his own permit ( not as naughty as it sounds.)
He is an full electrician with red seal and is skilled at other home improvement tasks.

Cherie’s News:

Cherie is now President of her neighbourhood association and is looking for other
past or current residents of Kelowna’s North End to join the North End Facebook group.

The NERA meeting is March 25th in the Ellis St. Library, upstairs room
7:00-8:30

According to Ross Freake in today’s Courier, only 28% of people keep their new year’s resolutions. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to be more mindful of my use of time.

$5 mdf fridge magnet, tropical flowers

Old patterns are easy. Like trenches down a hill side, the water of time runs in those dug out places that practice has created. Did it work? Is it the best use of my time? Is it moving me toward my goals? These are questions I have looked at all morning.

magnet collection on cookie sheet, each for sale by artist

My body wants to leap up and begin to do that which the mind has trained it to do, but I resisted and sat for hours this morning drawing up a calendar. Most of the morning passed in examining last year and looking toward next year. What is it I want? What can I do to move toward that which I want?

Cheerful flowers with jewels, $10

Calendar. Blocking out time. Watching the mind as it pulls like a four year old on one’s hands to become engaged in ceaseless and senseless activity.

Promoting my classes is a priority and allowing others to view my work for sale is right up there as well.

WRITING
I have had my second feature article published in in/ur magazine out of Portland. Check out the site and see a really contemporary, newsfilled on line periodical that has the ability to download printable pages for your enjoyment.www.inurmagazine.com

All About Cherie

The three disciplines that I studied though out my green years were poetry, art and I danced and choreographed until I was 48. After over twenty years of teaching acting and English, producing plays and volunteering for various organizations, I now focus on my writing and my art. I have a blog, several galleries on line if you want to drop by and have a look. I never dreamed that I would be working full time as a 64 year old. Life is funny, hey?

Making Scrapbook cards or Chapbooks for Young People
Category: Literary Arts
Season: Fall
Age Group: Youth for this class
Description:
(Ages 14 to 17)
Saturday, November 1st, 10 am-l pm.
Members: $20 Non-members:$30 Mat Fee: $15
The class will be an exploration of how to combine scrapbooking with writing to create art cards or small chapbooks that can be taken home. Come with an idea of who you want to receive a gift and make them a spectacular present of yourself. Sticky, exploratory fun with papers, punches, ribbons and WORDS.

A Gift of Yourself: Creating a Chapbook as a Heritage Item
Category: Literary Arts
Season: Fall
Age Group: Adult for this class
Description:
(Adult and 16/17 year olds)
Saturday, December 6th/10 am -2 pm
Members:$30 Non-members: $40 Mat Fee: $15
This class will lead the students to create a chapbook or small handmade book that is a treasure to give. Bring photographs that you want to give to others or your life, your hobbies, what you value. The group will create a handmade, small book of images and either poems or commentary that can be a keepsake for years to come. This is a true gift, not a commercialized common present. Cherie Hanson has taught writing, poetry and scrapbook.